Hayford Block facts for kids
|
Hayford Block
|
|
|
U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
|
 |
|
 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 47 Church St., Belfast, Maine |
|---|---|
| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1866 |
| Architect | n/a |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Italianate |
| Part of | Belfast Commercial Historic District (ID80000257) |
| NRHP reference No. | 77000087 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | August 29, 1977 |
| Designated CP | April 4, 1980 |
The Hayford Block is a really old and important building in downtown Belfast, Maine. It was built way back in 1866, right after a huge fire destroyed much of the city. This building was one of the first big projects to help Belfast rebuild.
Inside the Hayford Block, you'll find Hayford Hall. This was once a famous opera house. For many years, it was the main place in the city where people went to watch plays and shows.
Contents
What is the Hayford Block Like?
The Hayford Block is located in the busy center of Belfast. It sits at a unique five-way intersection where several streets meet. The building has two main parts. One part faces the intersection and is three stories tall. The other part stretches along Church Street and is four stories high.
A Unique Design
The three-story section has a cool "flatiron" shape. This means it's triangular, like the front of an old iron. The bottom floor and basement are made of strong granite. These areas used to have shops. The upper floors are made of brick and have many windows. A fancy decorated edge, called a cornice, tops the building.
The four-story section looks similar to the three-story part. It also has a special loading area on the second floor facing Church Street. This section is where the old opera house was located.
A Building with a Rich History
The Hayford Block was built by Belfast's mayor at the time, Axel Hayford. A terrible fire swept through downtown Belfast in 1865, destroying many buildings. Mayor Hayford's new building was the very first major construction project after that fire.
The three-story part of the building was finished in 1866. The taller, four-story section was added a few years later in 1869.
The Famous Hayford Hall Opera House
Hayford Hall was a very popular spot in Belfast. It was a large performance space that could hold about 1300 people. Many different types of shows took place here. Traveling theater groups would perform their plays. Vaudeville shows, which were a mix of comedy, music, and dance, also entertained crowds. Local talent and events were often held there too.
The Hayford Block is considered so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 29, 1977. This means it's recognized as a special building that helps tell the story of American history.
